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Another "what would you buy" question - the $1,400 version....

I am looking for a good quality bino that will be used mostly from a tree stand in Minnesota but will also accompany me out West once a year - Alberta mule deer this year, Wyoming elk next, etc. If money was not a factor, I would buy the new Swaro ELs. Money is a factor and I personally could stomach spending about $1,400 or so. I'd love to get the opinions of other members. Do I buy new Vortex Razor HDs? Do I buy used Swaro ELs? Do I get 8.5x42s or 10x42s? Or should I head in a different direction? Thanks in advance for the help.

i would go with even the used Swaros ELs 10x42's especially for out west hunting as i live out west they work great i bought a pair at a pawn shop sent them to swarovski they went through them and fixed them for a good price but if they'll be mostly used from a stand in minnesota go with the 8.5x42's maybe

Used Swaros or Leicas. Maybe be able to find a pair of new Nikon EDGs for around that from some retailers. But there is no way I'd see spendin $1200 for Vortex anything, there an ok budget option but when spending a chunk like that you can do much better. Maybe dig up a pair of Swaro 10x42 pre-HD SLC's brand new.

Used Swaros or Leicas. Maybe be able to find a pair of new Nikon EDGs for around that from some retailers. But there is no way I'd see spendin $1200 for Vortex anything, there an ok budget option but when spending a chunk like that you can do much better. Maybe dig up a pair of Swaro 10x42 pre-HD SLC's brand new.

I agree with brudno, mostly. I would look at Nikon EDG or Swaro SLCneu. Both are awesome and can be found around 1200-1300. However, I have not heard of a single negative review of the Vortex Razor HD bins. Every owner review and published test I have seen puts them as competition for Zeiss, Swaro, Leica. They might be worth a look.